Want to make a real difference in society? Underrepresented groups shouldconsider a career with the nation’s largest employer—Uncle Sam

“Ididn’t go into the government thinking that I’d
stay long,” admits William A. Brown Sr., former
deputy director of military programs for the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “I thought I’d gain a
few years of experience, but then found myself still
there 38 years later.”

What prevented Brown from sticking to his original career plan? “The opportunity to do more
than I could’ve ever done in the private sector,”
says the now-retired architectural engineer. In
2003, he founded the African American Federal
Employees Association to help other blacks develop the skills to reach senior-executive levels.
From negotiating an agreement that required
the disposal of weapons of mass destruction
in the former Soviet Union to supervising the

execution of $10 billion of construction programs
for government agencies, Brown has led a full and
fascinating career with the feds.

Whether you’re a third-generation Latino or re-cently naturalized immigrant, a college senior or near-ing retirement age, “you’ll find yourself surroundedby tremendous opportunities in the federal govern-ment,” says Brown. For instance, an internshipwith the U.S. government can help students set-tle on a career, while the part-time options maybe ideal for aging boomers who aren’t ready tohang up their power suits. Most important, asthe arbiter of public policy, international rela-tions and national security, the nation’s federalwork force must mirror the U.S. population tobest represent our many interests.